South Bend hosts workshop for Near Northwest Neighborhood residents

SOUTH BEND, Ind.---The city of South Bend is hosting a workshop for residents living in the Near Northwest Neighborhood. City officials are looking to hear from residents about what improvements need to be made in the area.

“We’ve done some collection of information before about other ideas that they have for the neighborhood,” said Tim Corcoran, Director of Planning for the City of South Bend. “Together what we’re doing is synthesizing that information together to draw and test ideas for the neighborhood.”

Saturday was the first of three open studio days where residents could come in and give their suggestions. Some of the biggest concerns raised by residents on Saturday revolved around adding green space, and addressing problems with infrastructure and vacant lots in the area.

“Whether it’s new housing or a community garden, or something like that it is to see how the neighborhood can evolve over time and what that might look like,” said Corcoran.

On Sunday, there will be an open studio session from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., a tour of portions of the neighborhood will take place from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., and an open house will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Monday will also begin with an open studio session from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A discussion on economic development will take place from noon until 1:00 p.m.

The workshop will conclude with a presentation on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

All events will be held at the Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. Community Space located at 1013 Portage Avenue.